Public policy discussions are generally and consciously partisan, and we assume that participants in public policy discussion have a specific point of view which they seek to advance in the discussion.

Public affairs, on the other hand, generally claims to be non-partisan.
It focuses on methods of public administration, illustrated by historical examples, recording outcomes.

Public affairs can be defined as "the management of institutional relations at a profit" (Jeremy Kane, co-founder of EPPA, pan-European public affairs advisers).

Social activism involves popular action and commentary on public affairs.